Lieutenant Col. Jason L. Nickerl, Deputy Director of Recruiting, Western Recruiting Region, was honored at his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 20. His retirement was bittersweet because as he leaves the Corps, he watched his son graduate recruit training and fill his footsteps.
Periodically, a few of us “old Marines” from the Los Angeles area will drive down to MCRD, San Diego to witness a Friday graduation. We have been doing this 2 or 3 times a year for a while. Our main goal has been to witness our graduating Marines and watch the last time their Drill Instructors dismiss their platoons… their families will rush to hug, kiss and greet their young Marine. We try and find the Marines whose families could not make the trip out to be part of the graduation ceremonies and will go out and congratulate them… we try and make their day just as special. A few weeks ago, on our journey, we were part of a very special day for the family of Lt. Col Nickeri… This gave me goosebumps!
Howard Hada
Sea Going
1989XXX
19 comments
I was with Howard Hada on that Friday, like he said about the goose bumps I felt it too. We both enjoy our day at MCRDSD brings back great memories of our youth. LCpl Richard E Jenkins July 1959 – June 1965 1878xxx
Congratulations to USMC PFC Nickerl and a hearty snap salute to you Lt Col. Nickerl for your service & retirement. Wonderful you had the opportunity to enjoy those”goosebumps”. Shaking the hand of my SDI at MCRD Parris Island after our Plt 353 graduation in 1967 and a recent visit in 2015 for the ceremony gave me those same “proud goosebumps”. Semper Fi Marines, from a SGT of Marines.
Congratulations Marines! I salute you both. Semper Fi.. Platoon 132, MCRD S.D. 1959.
I would be remiss if I missed this opportunity to salute the new graduates and to those who came before… Semper Fi from an old Marine, Platoon 382, MCRD San Diego 1958.
Congratulations to both Father and Son. Semper Fidelis.
This story proves once again that Darwin didn’t Lie! Semper Fi, Father and son.
Congratulation the torch has been pass on to the next generation of Devil Dogs “OooRah!!!!”
Congratulations to your son on his graduation & loud “OooRah!!!” And on your retirement, Lt Col Nickeri , I am sure you will be missed by your Marines at MCRD.
Congratulations to Lt Colonel and PFC Nickeri Semper Fi
PFC NICKERL, Welcome to our fraternity. It wasn’t an easy “pledge”. 13 weeks of boot camp,4-6 weeks ITR,”The Crucible”, and the will a determination to never give up. When you felt like you couldn’t take another step, you dug down and kept going. All us Marines know the drill. We’ve all been there. Congratulations to you Col Nickerl to what I am sure was an adventurous and rewarding career, and good luck to you (not that you will need luck) on your future ventures.
Some really “heavy” Marines have posted here… I’ll just post my congrats to the new Marine with a heartfelt Semper fi! All the best in your deployments, back up your fellow Marines, and never EVER give up. Good luck, and know in your heart everyone of us “old Corps” guys would be there with you to cover your six if we could.
Congratulations, to Lt Colonel Nickeri on your retirement and to PFC Nickeri for starting a new career in the Marine Corp. Semper Fidelis Msgt JG Alexander 1964-1971 active, RVN 1967-1968, !982-1995 active RES. retired
Lt Colonel Nickeri and PFC Nickeri,Congratulations to both of you on your extraordinary accomplishments. Semper Fidelis LT Benton, (former) Sgt. USMC 1968-1982, RVN 1969-1970
Congratulations Col. and Pfc. Nickeri, end of one watch and the beginning of a new one. The legacy lives on to add to an already rich tradition.
Sir congratulations on your retirement and your sons graduation semper fi
Sir congratulations on your retirement and sons graduation. Semper Fi.